Pod Propulsion

Pods are devices which combine both propulsive and steering functions in
one device. They are usually located below the stern of a ship, making
use of the following internal components: a fix pitch propeller, shaft,
thrust and support bearings, brake, and shaft seals; exciter; AC motor
(synchronous); bilge pump; and appropriate monitoring and control
equipment. The steering unit uses slewing gears and is located in the
hull above the pod itself. Lubrication equipment and ventilation/cooling
units are usually located externally, as sub systems. Propulsion pods
are not a new product, but a new configuration of traditional marine
systems and components.

As yet, studies have not shown whether pods are more efficient than
conventional shaft lines. There has been much research on the subject,
but most studies have been aimed at a specific aspect of pod performance
instead of an overall efficiency review. Several advantages have been
attributed to pod propulsion systems, such as: reduced emissions, lower
noise and vibration levels and emissions; improved steering maneuvering,
and braking capabilities. The reduced number of component parts also
allows for more flexibility in arranging system machinery, more
efficient construction and improved shipyard logistics. On the opposite
end of the argument, pods require a greater capital investment, have a
30MW power limitation (per screw), and have been known to suffer losses
in power due to electric propulsion.

Miami Diver has led the development of a unique universal steel habitat to efficiently carry out underwater repairs on almost any ship.

In July 1999, a leading cruise ship operator approached Miami Diver Inc. with a damaged lip type stern seal on one of its vessels. The 73,912-gt ship was reporting sea water ingress from the starboard side shaft seal, and the cruise operator was looking for options to prevent an untimely and expensive unscheduled dry-docking.

Carnival Corp. (CCL) and ABB Industry Oy, Marine Group, a unit of the ABB Process Industries, reached a settlement in December regarding a malfunction in the propeller bearing system of one of the Azipod propulsion units that occurred last July on Carnival Cruise Lines' cruise ship, Paradise.

CCL currently has Azipod propulsion installed on three of its cruise ships with similar systems ordered for three additional vessels

Explorer of the Seas was delivered by Kvaerner Masa-Yards' Turku shipyard on September 28 to Royal Caribbean in time for its dedication and naming ceremony, which was held in New York on October 21. The second member of RCCL's Project Eagle series, the vessel follows the successful delivery of the class' premiere vessel, Voyager of the Seas, which was delivered last October.

Pamela Conover, Cunard Line's president and COO, will make history today when she presses the button to start the cutting of the first steel for Queen Mary 2 - the largest, longest, widest, tallest and most expensive passenger ship ever.

Queen Mary 2, the first liner to be built in over three decades, will enter service in January 2004 and will be the fastest passenger ship built since QE2 entered service in 1969.

The Office Of Naval Research awarded $9.2 million to General Dynamics Bath Iron Works to design and manufacture an advanced propulsion system for a technical demonstration vessel. Known as Advanced Hull Form Inshore Demonstrator (AHFID), the project directly supports the Navy's decision to implement electric drive in future naval combatants.

ZF Marine has taken delivery of a new 50 foot Viking Sportfishing yacht. The purpose of this vessel will be to demonstrate the ZF POD 4000 propulsion system. The vessel is equipped with two Caterpillar C18 engines each producing 1150 bhp. These engines are mated to ZF 500 series transmissions, which are connected to the POD units via Centa carbon fiber driveshafts. The ZF POD 4000 drives are the highest rated propulsion pods in the market today, rated to 1200 bhp.

Control for the ZF POD 4000 comes from ZF Marine’s well established SmartCommand control system, with JMS (Joystick Maneuvering System) and SteerCommand electric steering

Faster and far greener than any Megayacht in her class, a Carbon Neutral Emax Megayacht that maximizes ecology, energy, efficiency and economy to achieve a 50 to 100% reduction in fuel consumption and GHG emissions.

The Ark Angel features the only compound engines other than the Curtiss Wright Cyclone to ever go into production, the Daimler Bluetec Turbo Compound DD 16

Employing the Daimler EPA “on road” turbo compound engines, the solar hybrid Ark Angel LSV delivers the cleanest marine propulsion system in the world. At 28knots fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by 50%. At 18 knots by up to 75% and at 14 knots by up to 85%

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — 28 February 2011 — Cargill has signed an agreement with SkySails GmbH & Co. KG (SkySails) to use wind power technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. SkySails, based in Hamburg, has developed innovative, patented technology that uses a kite which flies ahead of the vessel and generates enough propulsion to reduce consumption of bunker fuel by up to 35 percent in ideal sailing conditions.

Next December Cargill will install the 320m2 kite on a handysize vessel of between 25,000 and 30,000 deadweight tonnes, which the company has on long-term charter, making it the largest vessel propelled by a kite in the world

Wärtsilä has been awarded the contract to supply the propulsion equipment for a new, state-of-the-art, research vessel. The vessel will be operated by the UK's Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and is to be built at the C.N.P. Freire S.A. shipyard in Spain. The NERC is the UK's main agency for funding and managing world-class research, training and knowledge exchange in the environmental sciences.

The contract calls for Wärtsilä to supply four of its 8-cylinder in-line Wärtsilä 20 main diesel electric generating sets, two main propulsion steerable thrusters, one bow retractable thrusters, and a complete Low Loss Concept diesel electric system

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, today inaugurated a new global manufacturing base in Shanghai featuring Azipod C, the company’s advanced green marine propulsion system. Located in the Lingang New Development Zone, the new base covers 37,000 square meters with an annual output of 60 units at present. Claudio Facchin, Chairman and President of ABB North Asia and China, spoke at the inauguration ceremony